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randomoranges · 1 year

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fits as au and canon

finally, the third and last idea from that one song from the other day lamao

Bright Red Lipstick [And We’ll All Sing Along]

It’s the last holiday show and Kate is a mixture of emotions. On the one hand, she’ll miss the fanfare of the holiday bonanza and presenting these particular numbers, but on the other, she can’t wait to find her usual costumes and put every rendition of All I Want for Christmas and Santa Baby behind her. She loves her friends who work with her dearly, but she’s officially reached her limit. She’s tired and exhausted, but she’s also very much well aware that in a week’s time, she’ll miss the vibrant backstage atmosphere and the thrill of performing. It’s her yearly conundrum and she’s far too used to it to do anything about it.

Kate makes sure her wig is ready, before she brings it up to her vanity mirror to see how it looks. So far, the hair clips with the decorative holly are holding up nicely and they really make the wig look festive. She’s about to start on her makeup, figuring she can ask one of her friends to help her with the zipper on her dress, when there’s a very distinctive knock at her door. She puts her cream down and walks over to the door, opening it to reveal her boyfriend.

How it is that Étienne manages to sneak backstage time and again is beyond her, but she’s ever so pleased to see him and she ushers him in, closing the door behind them both. She supposes that by now, most of her friends have at least ran into Étienne once and there is the fact that Étienne can be very persuasive and charismatic when he wants to, even if the fact remains that he shouldn’t sneak around backstage. But, she’s not about to complain, if it means that she can have a few more minutes with her beau.

For starters, it isn’t every day that her boyfriend can come and see her perform, despite what they would both like and the fact that he’s here, for the last show of the holiday special, does give her an extra boost of energy. After tonight, she’ll be off until her birthday and she’ll get to spend that time with her beloved Étienne. She’s definitely looking forward to that.

“These are for you, my dear,” Étienne says, holding out a bouquet of flowers like he always does when he comes to see her shows. She pretends that she’s flustered by the gesture, if only for the sake of appearances, but she still retrieves the vase she keeps under the vanity for such occasions and fills it with water from the adjacent sink. She places the flowers on the side of her dresser and looks at them for a moment, smiling softly.

“I hope I’m not bothering you in your preparation,” Étienne mentions and she dismisses him with a hand as she returns to her mirror. There’s a reason she arrives extra early to prepare. Well – there are many reasons as to why she arrives early. Notably, she likes to give herself time to rehearse her number or numbers at least three more times and she doesn’t want to rush her preparation. Kate likes having the time to get dressed and do her makeup and if ever something doesn’t collaborate along the way, then she has the time to get it right. Plus, there’s always someone having some crisis or other and by being here, she can give a helping hand and not fall behind on her own preparation. Finally, on the nights that Étienne gets to see her perform, she can indulge in his company for a few minutes, before shooing him away.

“Absolutely not; you can help me with the dress.” She motions to the zipper and Étienne steps up behind her to do it up. He then hooks his chin over her shoulder and wraps his arms around her waist, all the while watching her start her transformation. He knows not to bother her and Kate has come to find out that Étienne can actually stay still and simply watch, so she lets him.

Étienne kisses her shoulder and she smiles at him through the reflection in the mirror. He leans his head back on her shoulders and quietly watches, mesmerized, as she transforms masculine traits into more feminine ones; exaggerating some along the way and picking the shades of eye shadow that’ll give her the look she wants. He likes watching the transformation, fascinated by the spectacle and the skill set needed. He is, and remains, an artist, after all and he is captivated by the magic happening before his eyes.

Kate keeps the conversation light, as she picks up one brush and another, glad Étienne gets to be here and watch her perform for the holiday specials. For as much as she misses her old numbers and familiar dresses, there is also something special with this particular holiday dress. The design had been Étienne’s and they had spent many a late night conversation going over details and corrections, between fits of giggles, as Étienne had done his very best to put her vision to paper. He had offered to make the dress, but she had politely declined, preferring to have it done on location. It would be easier that way for fittings and alterations. She could have put something together herself, but she’d been given carte blanche for this and had wanted to do something a little bit different and bold.

“Green suits you, my dear.” Étienne murmurs into her neck. There’s a pleased little besotted look to his face that warms Kate’s insides, despite what she may say. She indulges him, giving the hand resting on her abdomen a squeeze, before she applies the last line of eye shadow.

“You say that because it’s your colour.”

Étienne chuckles; a cat caught with its paw in the cream, and denies nothing. Instead, he holds her a little closer and lets out a content little happy sigh, as if there’s no other place he’d rather be at the moment.

There’s just her lipstick left, when Kate gets an idea. She wiggles out of Étienne’s embrace and sits on the vanity counter, motioning to her boyfriend to step closer. He does as he’s told, curious, and leans in, closing the gap between them. Kate applies the lipstick, no longer needing to look in a mirror, having done this so many times that she could do it with her eyes closed, before she presses a kiss to Étienne’s right cheek, leaving a bright red stain where her lips had been.

“What are you doing?” Étienne asks, chuckling as Kate starts over with her process and then does the same with the other cheek.

“Giving you Christmas kisses,” She answers, as if it’s the most obvious of things, before placing a third kiss to the corner of Étienne’s lips.

Her boyfriend lets her do as she pleases, and Kate only stops when she believes that she’s left enough bright red kiss marks on Étienne’s face.

She sits back, pleased with herself, and observes her handiwork for a moment. Étienne looks lovely this way and utterly content to have been kissed silly by her.

“You know what you should do,” She starts, cupping his chin with her hand, “You should leave these on when you go out to watch the show.”

Étienne gives her a look, pondering, and she knows that he’ll end up doing it. He likes to please her and this is the type of thing he would not mind doing at all. In a way, it would be a very public way of letting others around him know that Kat e has chosen him and he’s bound to announce this fact like a proud peacock.

“With pleasure,” He says, proving her point.

She beams at him and pecks his lips one more time, before sending him off to find his seat. With a final wave, Étienne wishes her luck and promises to find her after the show, and then lets her finish up her preparations.

FIN

#pc: montreal #pc: edmonton #kk the magnificent #pc: kk the magnificent #kk the supreme #étienne maisonneuve #au #fic #canon #projocanondoko #christmas song bonanza 2022

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randomoranges · 1 year

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Kind of gave up on this one but i liked the concept of étienne being absolutely delighted to be sitting on Kate's lap

#pc: montreal #étienne maisonneuve #pc: edmonton #edward murphy #kk the supreme #pc: kk the magnificent #art #k attempts to draw

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randomoranges · 3 years

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On the mountain the other day, there was this person wearing this same outfit.

For as much as Ed doesn't wear this style for Kate, I was also like omg Yes.

She's either judging you or waiting for One of Her Boyfriends to Bring Her a Latte.

Og #girlboss

#pc: edmonton #pc: kk the supreme #kk the magnificent #girlboss lol #k attempts to draw

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randomoranges · 2 years

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Any excuse to kiss your bf silly is a good excuse.

#pc: montreal #pc: edmonton #pc: kk the supreme #étienne maisonneuve #kk the magnificent #art #k attempts to draw

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randomoranges · 3 years

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club 1795

part 2

The show, as promised, was a hit and Kate rode her high as she sauntered off to her dressing room, ready to change, unwind, and then see where the night took her. Maybe she and some of the other girls would go out and celebrate. Maybe she’d linger by the bar and see if anyone interesting would bring her home. Maybe she’d go home alone, but treat herself for a job well done. The possibilities were endless.

She was happily going through her well rehearsed post-show routine, when there was a knock at her door, followed by an excited sounding hush, “Kate – you have to come quick!”

Intrigued, Kate made sure she still looked presentable and went to open the door only to find a gaggle of the girls in a tizzy over something once more. By the looks on their faces, she could already tell this would spell disaster and she highly regretted thinking, even for a moment, that this would be worth it.

“You’ll never guess who’s at the door, asking for you!” MayEast said, grinning widely.

She didn’t need to guess. She already knew. And why tonight of all nights he’d chosen to come asking for her was beyond her wildest imagination.

“You bothered me for that? Honestly. Tell him to get lost or get Funny Fanny – she’s been going on about wanting to get into his pants for ages. They could distract each other.”

“Oh come on – quit being a spoil sport and at least come and say hi! You’ve turned him down the last seven times. Give the guy a break!” MayEast pleaded.

It was quite honestly the last thing she wanted to do. There was a reason as to why she’d turned him down. She wasn’t interested. Simple as that. She didn’t need some lovesick fool drooling over her. Or some fanatic admirer bringing her flowers at every show. She especially didn’t need some poor young sap idolising her for some unknown reason. Whatever it was that he was after, she wasn’t interested and she wished everyone else could leave her alone about it.

“If you’re that concerned about him, maybe you should give him a break.”

Her friend rolled her eyes and pulled her towards the back door, “Kate, please – even if he just wants to bring you to bed, it’ll do you some good. When’s the last time you were even well fucked?”

She bristled. That was none of her damned business. Her sex life was quite fine, thank you very much.

“Now, play nice and maybe you’ll get something out of it. We’ll be close by – watching and listening!” With a wave and a giggle, MayEast disappeared, somewhere backstage with the others and Kate found herself feet away from the door, where sure enough her suitor stood, foolish smile ever so present on his face.

Kate took a steadying breath and marched forward, ready to give him a piece of her mind and end this once and for all.

“Ms Kate,” He started, almost sounding star-struck, “It’s such pleasure to see you. Thank you for taking the time to come see me. May I say, it was a wonderful show – as always.” The bastard was a charmer and Kate had no patience for these types with their flowery words. Her good evening had now been ruined by his mere presence and she wanted to gag at his politeness. Who acted this way anyways? Why couldn’t he be like all other men who came for what they wanted and then left? He wasn’t in some TV series or poetry book.

“Of course it was a wonderful show. We all worked really hard. What do you want?” She asked, straight to the point.

“To see you, of course.” He replied, as though it was the most obvious of things. There was no malice to his words and it unmoored her in a way. Who was this guy and what was his deal?

“Well, congrats, kid, you came, you saw, you conquered – well you saw, but I’m not sure you conquered much or came – unless you get off by sight only, but that’s none of my business. Now, you got what you wanted, you can leave.”

He laughed, the buffoon, and she hated the fact that her comeback had been – decent to say the least. Or that it had gotten him to laugh. He had a nice laugh. It was rich and full and he laughed with his eyes closed and his head tilted a little to the side. It was almost cute.

No. It was not cute. It was infantile. He was a child, really. And she had no time for fools.

“You didn’t ignore me, this time. I’ll take that as a victory for tonight.” He nearly sounded sincere and it was enough to make her want to gag.

“Listen; I don’t know what it is you’re after, but let me just clear things up a bit. Whatever you’re end goal is? Forget it. I’m not interested. Whatever delusion you whisper to yourself at night? Forget it as well. What you see on stage is a construct. We aren’t real. I am not a real woman and whatever sweet things we might say up there – pet names we call you – it’s all part of the show.” Her earlier post-show high was gone now, thanks to him, and she just wanted to be home. Alone. Away from this loser. She was blaming him for ruining her evening.

“Oh, I know all that. I can read after all, even if English isn’t my first language. But I know what “drag show” means. Although, thanks for clarifying. I’ll leave you to it and I’ll see you next weekend, Ms Kate,” He grinned, young and bright, and then – the nerve, he waved cheerfully at her before blowing a kiss in her direction and then left.

The annoying little pest.

PREVIOUS: I

CURRENT: II

NEXT: III

#pc: montreal #pc: edmonton #edward murphy #étienne maisonneuve #au #ficlet #club 1795 #pc: kk the supreme #kk the magnificent

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randomoranges · 3 years

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it’s like one idea and two blurbies. also the joke is we never get to read about the date ha ha

i guess this is like the conclusion to the whole kate and ét thing. ish.

Date Night 20XX

“So, I have a question,” Étienne typed out and hit sent. He’d been texting with Edward for a good half hour now and there had had been something he’d been itching to ask his boyfriend for a while. He wiped his hands on his pants, feeling ridiculous for suddenly being nervous, but – this was an unusual question and he was both parts excited and nervous for Edward’s potential answer.

“Sure, go ahead,” Edward’s answer read.

Étienne took a deep breath and steadied his nerves. Of all the things he’d ever asked Edward, this was tame in comparison to some past questions, but – still.

“I know you sometimes go out as Kate – like for fun and I know Calvin’s taken Kate out before – so, I was wondering – well, I’d like to take Kate out. One day. It doesn’t have to be on my next visit! And I totally get if it’s some exclusive thing you – Kate does with Calvin and I respect that, but yeah, I’d like to take Kate out at some point. Just – to a restaurant or something. Spend an evening together – or brunch or – something. But – I’d like to go out. In public. With Kate.”

There was an extremely long wait before Edward’s next reply.

Étienne’s nerves went on frenzy and he tried his very best not to freak out. He told himself that no, he had not just scared Edward away and that no, his boyfriend hadn’t just been insulted by what he’d just asked him. Edward was two time zones away. He had a life. Things he did. Maybe his phone had died. Maybe he’d gotten a call. Maybe he’d gotten distracted. Maybe he’d received a parcel. Maybe a hot guy had shown up to strip for him.

“Maybe you’re over thinking this,” He told himself. Out loud. Like a normal person.

His phone buzzed.

He nearly dropped it in his haste to open it up to read the new message.

“Oh darling,” The first message read and Étienne’s stomach sank – this couldn’t be good. Edward was probably trying to let him down easy – trying to spare his feelings and such. Then again, Edward seldom ever called him darling.

“I would absolutely be tickled pink if you took me out on a date.” The other message read.

Étienne blinked to make sure he’d read correctly. He even took off his glasses to make sure they were clean.

“Kate??” He asked, just to be sure he hadn’t missed anything. This was new. In fact – all of this was still very new. He’d been going to see the shows, as many as he could, whenever he was in town and Kate was performing. He’d been – good about it, really. He and Edward had talked long and hard about this and he’d been doing his best to show that he was supportive and to make up for being a right old jerk in the past. They were moving past that and enjoying this new normal. It was a new chapter and he absolutely loved where this was going and genuinely enjoyed going to watch the performances.

“Hello darling,” She answered him back quickly, “It’s good to hear from you.”

“It’s always a pleasure! So it would be okay? You wouldn’t mind going out with me?”

“Not at all; I was starting to think I would need to be forward and ask you myself! But I’m ever so pleased you’ve taken the initiative. I would love to! In fact, if you felt up to it, we can go out on your next visit.”

“Really?” The last thing Étienne wanted to do was to misinterpret her message and find himself in an awkward situation where Kate would feel pressured into doing something she didn’t want to. They had time. Lots of it. They could wait. Do this on a different occasion. No rush.

“Absolutely. Did you have anything specific in mind?”

“Well – sort of. I really would like to take you out to dinner, but I’m open to other suggestions if you don’t want to do that. I’m also open to restaurant suggestions, even though I have done my research, but you do know the area better. And, you can drive, if we’re going by truck or whatever, but you are absolutely not paying.”

Étienne kept an active list of restaurants Edward had casually mentioned wanting to go to and he and Calvin actually exchanged on other such pertinent information. Of course, the list wasn’t as thorough as his own list of Montreal locations, but he had a fair amount of places he knew Edward liked and that Edward would like going to. He just hoped the overlap would apply for Kate as well.

Kate sent him a string of emojis from one that rolled its eyes to one that cried while laughing, “Somehow, I’m not surprised, but that sounds lovely. You can make reservations for whichever night you please, but do let me know, so I can make sure to be ready on the right day! And if you need any other suggestions, I’ll be more than happy to give you some.”

“Sounds good!”He felt giddy. He had an actual date with Kate! He was already looking forward to it. Not that he hadn’t before, but his excitement had suddenly shot up.

“It’s a date then <3”

“It absolutely is <3”

Étienne made sure to make their reservations over the weekend of his visit. It gave them both ample time to settle in around each other and catch up and if ever Edward wanted to back out for whatever reason, it gave him a chance to do so. That last thing he wanted was for this to turn into a disaster. This was another big step for the both of them and even if he knew it wouldn’t be perfect, he wanted it to go over smoothly.

On the day of the actual date, Étienne found himself to be actually nervous, which he thought was funny in its own way. He could count on one hand the number of times he’d been nervous for a date and he wondered what that meant. He was giddy, also, since this would be the first time he’d be going out with Kate. It would be different from a show and different from the post-show evenings they’d spent together, when Kate had lingered for a while longer.

But, if anything, Edward had also seemed a little nervous and that had reassured him. In fact, his boyfriend had shooed him out of the bedroom what felt like hours ago in order to get ready and Étienne had taken the spare guestroom to change as well. Being ready, he took to the living room and sat himself on the couch, trying to distract himself while he waited for his date.

He was busy twiddling on his phone, refreshing a page on one of his social media accounts, when he heard footsteps approaching him. He quickly put his phone away and looked up, only to have his breath catch in his throat. Kate stood in front of him, in a gorgeous evening dress that complimented her complexion nicely. It was deep mauve, with delicate patterned flowers that went throughout and the a-line dress flared out at the hips and worked wonders with Kate’s body.

Étienne found himself standing and wiping his hands on his trousers, as he took a step forward towards her. “You look stunning,” He murmured, slightly breathless at the sight of her. She flushed, pleased, and swatted his chest playfully.

“You charmer,” She said, “Can you help me clasp my necklace? I’m afraid I’ll ruin my nails.”

Étienne nodded and followed her back to the bedroom, where Kate’s necklace was waiting on the dresser. Étienne prayed for steady hands as he looped the chain around her neck, while she held up her hair for him. He managed to get it clasped on the second try and then watched as the pendant hung around her neck. It really did bring the ensemble together, as he caught their reflection in the mirror and paused to appreciate the sight.

“We make a lovely pair,” He said as he placed a careful arm around her waist. Kate leaned into him and Étienne couldn’t help but smile, his eyes still on both their reflections, who smiled back at him.

“Don’t we?” She asked, grinning, before she turned to look at him and pecked his cheek. Étienne was surprised by the gesture, but couldn’t help but laugh, pleased by her boldness.

She laughed when she noticed the faint lipstick stain on his cheek, “Oh, this gives me an idea,” She said as she reached over for her rouge and powder, “Would you mind?” She asked as she held up a brush.

Étienne hesitated for a moment. He’d been – reacquainting himself with makeup again; nail polish and mascara – sometimes even eye shadow and eye liner, but it had always been at home, very rarely when he went out. But this was an important night, after all and he wanted to look good for Kate. He nodded, finally, figuring this was a big night and a big step they were taking together – he might as well go the extra mile.

Kate looked pleased as punch as she rummaged for a shade that would look good on him. Her movement was sure and her strokes gentle as she worked her magic on Étienne. She checked in with him every so often to make sure he was all right, but every time he assured her that this was fine. In the end, she settled for something soft. She added a bit of lip-gloss for effect, subtle shiny eye shadow and called it a success. “There,” She said as she stood back and took in her work, “I think we’re ready to go.” She added with a reassuring smile.

Étienne spared himself a glance and had to admit that he liked the way he looked – the way they both looked. He also liked the fact that it had been Kate who had added these finishing touches to him. “Yeah, I think so; shall we?” He asked and offered her his arm. She gladly accepted it and after putting on their shoes, they headed out for their date.

FIN

#pc: montreal #pc: edmonton #edward murphy #étienne maisonneuve #kk the magnificent #pc: kk the supreme #fic #projocanondoko

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randomoranges · 3 years

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it’s like 20whoknowswhat and kate and et go to some 1920s theme party or some such.

also what is gender? nothing and everything :)

also imagine sing sing sing by benny goodman playing in the bg.

theyre totally holding hands behind that bit of dress.

#pc: edmonton #pc: kk the supreme #kk the magnificent #pc: montreal #étienne maisonneuve #canon because fight me #also could be au because fight me as well #but this was totes made with canon in mind #art #digital art #fake bad terrible cheated art le gasp #that's gonna be my new tag bcs FIGHT ME #k attempts to draw #are their too many patterns? yes do i care? fuck no

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randomoranges · 3 years

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a blurby with an art.

the blurby came after the art.

so yesterday i was looking for inspiration for potential art for monmonton day and then i found an image and i was like oh this looks like fun.

i wasnt sure if i wanted this to be ed and et, kate and et or whatnot but then i was like lets just make this as queer as possible.

this is canon, ps. it happens in the Future, but it is canon. it could also work for a few aus, but with the blasted tattoos, it makes it more canon.

then i got involved in what turned into a Project and finally today i finished this piece.

and as i was working on this thing a blurby came to mind

and here we are now. i continue to live vicariously through art and fic sigh lamao

my fave parts are the bra, the lipstick stains, the stockings.

the fun thing about photoshop is i can cheat and save things to use them agai nand again and again ahaha

Her favourite dates are the ones where her partner surprises her in all the best ways. It’s when they dress themselves in that fine dapper suit of theirs and add that silk tie she loves so much. She gets to spend the better part of the evening fixing it up so that it’s just right (even though it already is) only to pull it off later when they’re alone. It’s when they put up their hair for the evening, but then she gets to let it out of its constraint and watch it cascade past their shoulders in wild curls she gets to tug on.

Her favourite dates are the ones where it’s hard to tell if the jealous stares of others are meant for her, them, or the two of them. She knows her partner is a looker and has been turning heads for a lifetime now and she knows how good she looks with the right dress and the right set of heels. (She also knows how good she looks in nothing but her bra and lace stockings, splayed out on her bed, but that is a sight reserved for her partner and her boyfriend and them alone, really.) Still, she knows the affect she has on them both and she knows how to use her charms to get exactly what she wants. And even though she’s very much happily taken, it’s a little boost to the ego to walk a crowded room with her partner close by and bask in the jealous looks of others. But it is their loss and absolutely her gain.

The best parts of her evening is knowing that her partner can’t stop stealing glances her way and knowing that she keeps doing the same. It’s the little smiles and the way their face completely lights up whenever their gazes meet. Or how when they step close to her and put an arm around her waist, she feels her insides go warm and liquid; a pool of molten lava. It’s also when her partner seeks her out, just to be in her space, to seek out a touch or a caress and sometimes even a stolen kiss.

It’s obviously also about getting the chance to do this – to go out in public with them. To be this part of herself without a care in the world. To dare to be and to do it boldly without shame. To have them by her side, proud of her, of themselves and them both. It’s all those wonderful things she gets to do, while she spends time with her beloved.

The proverbial extra treat to her date, the cherry on the sundae so to speak, is when she returns home with them, hot on her heels, and they go from making-out in the entrance, to making their way to the bedroom, where quick kisses turn languid and searing and when they both can’t seem to get out of their clothes fast enough. She likes it when they crowd her against the bed, hover over her with lipstick smeared over their smile from eager kisses and they both pause for a moment to catch their breath. She likes the way they look at her; with want and trust and love and lust written all over their face. She likes the feel of their pressed kisses down her neck to her chest and further down still and whatever comes after that is for her own pleasure only. She likes the way she feels when she’s with them; as someone wonderful and treasured and important and loved.

She loves the way they make her feel, from the start of the date to the very end of it, and every other moment between one iteration and the next.

But her ultimate favourite moment comes after; towards the end, when they’re both spent and entwined together; when they curl up behind her and hold her to their chest. When she feels pleasantly warm all over as she’s held and they place soft insignificant kisses to her shoulder as they both slowly, slowly drift off in each other’s arms and the night fades out into the promise of a new day.

FIN

#pc: montreal #pc: edmonton #pc: kk the supreme #kk the magnificent #teddy maisonneuve #art #digital art #fic #projocanondoko #au #k attempts to draw

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randomoranges · 3 years

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the real and true otp is teddyxkate i dont make up the rules

#pc: montreal #pc: edmonton #teddy maisonneuve #do they get their own tag now lamao #apparently #étienne maisonneuve #edward murphy #kk the magnificent #pc: kk the supreme #art #digital art #canon #au #both #:)

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randomoranges · 4 years

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drag meeting au part 19

The pie and tea finished, Kate snuggled up to Étienne’s side and let him caress her arm as they kept on talking. Their plan to watch a movie-or-something was forgotten about in lieu of their conversation and honestly, Kate didn’t mind. It seemed she could never run out of things to talk about with Étienne and it was nice to catch up, even if she had tried to place distance between them.

“So, I have to ask, because I’m not sure I’ve gotten the full picture, you paint, you do art with kids, and what else do you actually do?”

She felt the vibrations of Étienne’s laughter and let the sensation envelop her in a hug, “A bit of this and a bit of that, really.” Kate craned her neck to give him a pointed look, clearly not impressed with the answer. “If you really must know, my background is in graphic design and painting. I do mostly freelance, so I have a few contracts going on at the moment. I’m also employed with a company as well for photo touch ups and what have you. It honestly sounds more exciting than what it is, but it’s a steady job, so I can at least rely on that small income. Painting always was more of a hobby, but it would be totally cool to be a famous painter, or something, and have my paintings up in art galleries. I mean, I’m getting some recognition for my work and it is picking up, but I’m not in the place to commit to that full time. Related to that, kind of, I do a lot of murals in the summer for MU. Murals are fun. I got to collab on some pretty big pieces in the city and there’s something cool about seeing a piece of yours on a wall. It’s hard work, but I find it the most fascinating of all my jobs. Then I also have a few side gigs with this after school center for kids. That’s – about it, I think.”

Kate had to turn around to look at him fully, impressed and amazed by everything that he did. “You absolutely need to show me your murals!” She declared, “We can make a date of it,” She added. Étienne seemed pleased with the thought of another date with her.

“That would be lovely; the ones from this summer are still up.”

“How did you get involved with the center?” She asked next, now that that was settled.

“Oh, well,” He paused and then smiled, “It’s a funny story actually, I happened to run into my old art teacher from high school one day. He’d retired and had been helping out at the center part-time, to keep busy. I was in between jobs and he asked if I wanted to swing by and give him a hand on a project he was doing with the kids. I had nothing better to do so I went. And then I never left,” He laughed. “It’s – fun working with the kids. We give them access to materials they wouldn’t necessarily be able to get and let them express themselves in safe spaces. I make it a point to keep going – it’s really gratifying to be with them – to listen to what they have to say and we all need outlets. Some of these kids didn’t have safe outlets before, if the center can help, why not?”

The more she learned about Étienne, the more she fell for him. Here was a man with a very big and generous heart and she was the lucky one who got to call him her boyfriend. She shifted her position in order to give him a proper hug and Étienne seemed a little surprised by her reaction, if anything. “I’m sure you’re wonderful with them – they’re lucky to have such a wonderful person as you.”

She looked up in time to see the pretty blush that spread over Étienne’s cheeks and she couldn’t help but smile, ever so pleased with herself whenever she got Étienne to react this way.

“I think I’m the lucky one, really.” He admitted, “I’ve learned a lot from them – they’ve helped me get a better perspective on things, over the years. And it’s always such a pleasure to see them develop their personalities and gain assurance – of themselves, of who they are... it’s a really good experience.”

A tranquil quietude fell over them at that point, punctuated by the soft jazz music that kept on playing. Kate rested her head back on Étienne’s shoulder and listened to the steady beating of his heart. It was so very comforting and she liked the way she fit in his arms and the way he ran his hand up and down her back. It was cozy and warm and most of all, she felt safe here.

PREVIOUS: XVIII CURRENT: XIX NEXT: XX

#pc: montreal #pc: kk the supreme #kk the magnificent #étienne maisonneuve #au #ficlet #3 sentence fic meme thing #drag meeting au

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randomoranges · 4 years

Text

drag meeting au part 37

let’s shift gears and start wrapping this up with something a little more serious

Kate took a deep breath she hoped would help steady her nerves and readied herself for what she had to say. She had spent the better part of the week rehearsing this speech and now, finally, it was time to deliver it.

“Étienne, there’s something I have to tell you,” She started and didn’t pause, instead going on, “I never meant to lead you on. I never meant for this little venture to go this far. But here we are and I need to tell you that – even though I’ve developed real and true feelings for you and I’ve had a wonderful time with you, I’m not who you think I am.”

Kate blinked and then groaned, passing a hand over her face.

This wasn’t working.

“Get it together, Murphy. Stick to the bloody script and get straight to the point.”

Kate looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. She’d spent the better part of the last hour going through her little speech. Hell, she had even written it down on flash cards, which she had since discarded, ripped up into tiny pieces and thrown in the air in a fit of desperation.

No matter how many times she ran through her speech, she somehow or other always managed to make it sound cheap and tacky. That or she beat around the bush too long instead of getting to the point.

But today was the day. After a hellish start to the month of January between work and then a nasty cold that had left her bedridden for a few days, she was finally going out with Étienne for her birthday, which had passed, but Étienne wanted to highlight the occasion. He had even offered to bring her soup and help nurse her back to good health. Kate had been touched by the offer, but had preferred to keep her beau at bay – lest he get sick as well. (Or find out about her deep dark secret during one of her deliriums.) Either way. She wanted to control this big reveal as best as she could.

Hence, they would go out, have a nice dinner and somewhere along the way, she would tell him. By the end of the evening it would be done. She wouldn’t let Étienne leave until she told him.

“One more time, from the top,” She instructed herself as she gazed at her reflection.

She was going all out tonight. She was treating this as a final performance; a swan song and curtain call and all that. One more big bang before she was taken off stage and boxed away. No more encore for Kate and Étienne. The ballad would end, the final act would conclude.

She would give Étienne the performance of her life and something to remember her by, for sure.

She still hoped she would get a standing ovation at the end and not a case of tomatoes to the face.

Every iteration of her speech sounded cliché and phony to her ears. It seemed there was no sincerity to her words – or too much of it, despite the fact that she was speaking from the heart. She’d tried every approach she could think of, but it seemed nothing felt just right.

“Maybe it’ll be better when he’s here...” She told herself. She tried on a smile for show, but it felt a little dull around the edges and didn’t quite reach her eyes. If she was to describe herself, she’d say that there was the hint of the end of a beautiful summer day in her hazel gaze. Dark rain clouds looming in closer and bringing in deep gusts of winds that rattled the rose petals off their blooms and such.

She was about to go through one final rehearsal when her phone buzzed.

Grateful for the distraction, she reached for it and found a message from Étienne.

“Leaving now! Can’t wait to see you xxx”

Despite everything, she couldn’t help but smile. Leave it to her sweet Étienne to brighten up her day and chase the torment from her mind, even if for a moment.

Étienne had decided to take her out to one of the nicer restaurants of the city for her birthday dinner. However, the only spot available had been later in the evening, so Kate had invited Étienne over to her place to catch up before they headed out. She had deep cleaned her house, had hidden, and put away anything remotely masculine and Edward related and figured that if anything, maybe she could get her whole confession out of the way before dinner.

Hopefully.

And Étienne, the darling gentleman that he was, had even offered to drive them to the restaurant, since he’d had to borrow a car for the week for work. Kate had agreed to it and was looking forward to being splurged on for one last time.

This was her grand finale.

“Hang on – you live in Outremont? The GPS on my phone says Outremont. Outremont as in the real Outremont? As in fancy as fuck Outremont?”

She couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. She’d often gotten such a reaction from the people who first came to her house. She’d bought the place about three years ago, deciding that she wanted a real place of her own. A house she could call a home, a place where she could have her friends and family over and where everyone could stay if they wanted to. It was an investment in her happiness, what with the lush trees and ample green space in her backyard.

“Yes, fancy as fuck Outremont. I hope you don’t mind?”

She’d once dated a man who’d had an issue with the wealth she had. He’d found it too much since she didn’t necessarily hide it. She’d worked her ass off to be able to be where she was in life and she had no shame or qualms in living comfortably and enjoying the things she did. Apparently, he’d taken offence in the fact that she preferred to buy her groceries from the market, encouraging the local merchants, instead of buying frozen fruit that had been outsourced. Or that she was willing to meticulously search for scrap parts for her vintage motorcycle she was lovingly restoring, instead of just buying last year’s model on special.

He hadn’t lasted long.

He’d been a rebound anyways.

“Not at all! You just keep being a bag full of surprises in all the most wonderful of ways :) <3”

Kate smiled. This absolute lunatic. Her darling Étienne. He was truly something else.

“I’ll be there in a bit. See you soon xxx”

“See you <3”

Kate took another steadying breath and gave herself a one over. She fixed the high collar of her dress and made sure she looked impeccable. There wasn’t a hair out of place, her makeup was flawless and her accent jewelry pieces married everything about her look together.

“This is it, old girl,” She murmured to herself, bringing her hand up to touch her reflection delicately, as if wanting to give herself courage, “We’re playing for all or nothing. We can do this.”

She closed her eyes and tried to ground herself, but she was a jittery mess of nerves. She both couldn’t wait for Étienne to arrive and also dreaded his arrival at the same time. This could very well be the last date they ever went on and the thought of that chagrined her more than anything else at the moment.

PREVIOUS: XXXVI CURRENT: XXXVII NEXT: XXXVIII

#pc: montreal #pc: kk the supreme #kk the magnificent #étienne maisonneuve #au #ficlet #3 sentence fic meme thing #drag meeting au

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randomoranges · 3 years

Text

the exciting end to the trilogy of étienne meets kate in canon!

title inspired by a book by michel tremblay

A Thing of Beauty

203X?

Edward takes a deep breath and tries to steady his nerves. He shakes out his hands and looks at the display of cosmetics before him. His hands tremble a little as they gloss over each tube and each jar, until he grips the edge of his vanity and tries to steady himself.

He’s finally going to do it.

After literal years, now is the right time for Kate to meet Étienne. After trying to find the right time, this is it.

He takes another breath as he starts with his makeover, finding comfort in the repetitive and familiar routine. He’s done this hundreds of times and could do it with his eyes closed, if needed. He’s not going for the full getup – doesn’t need to, really, not when there aren’t any plans to go out, or any performances to attend. He’s chosen today on purpose for this knowing that it’s going to be a lot. It’s convenient, for Calvin isn’t here with them, and so they can go through this emotional ordeal without having to worry about Calvin feeling left out. Therefore, they have the entire afternoon and evening to process, talk it over and – bridge over the very last hurdle of their less than stellar past.

Of course, Étienne has seen Kate – has been coming to a few performances now when he’s in town and it’s been amazing, really, having both his and Calvin’s support. Étienne’s shown his own interest, has asked him about the process, has provided him with praise and comments about the shows he’s attended, and when he can’t attend, he always calls to wish him good luck, sends him a text closer to the start of the show, has Calvin pick up flowers from him and they talk over the performance the following day.

It’s – so much more than he’s ever thought he’d ever have, to be honest, and it’s so much better than what he ever thought it could be.

But – Kate and Étienne have not yet met. It had been too soon, before and then there hadn’t been time. Edward knows that they can’t rush this – that this is a monumental step and so he goes through his motions, changes into his carefully chosen clothes and proceeds with his transformation.

He’s chosen a simple knee length skirt, one of his favourites, in a beautiful shade of navy that glimmers in the light with a gorgeous top that brings the outfit together. There’s a brooch Calvin got him some Christmases ago that he’ll pin to Kate’s chest for moral support and even his shoes have been carefully lain out.

“Come on, this will be easy,” He tells himself in the mirror as he applies rouge to his lips. He knows it’ll be easy – should be easy – after all, Étienne doesn’t hate him. He’s still here, he asks about his performances and about Kate and they’re better now – him and Edward. They’re even more than better.

However, there’s still an echo of a previous conversation that runs through his mind as he stares at himself in the mirror. If he wallows hard enough, he still feels the bitter tang of shame and regret on his tongue – anger and frustration. Words slapped across his face in the heat of an argument. They no longer sting. They’ve spoken about even this and they’ve both apologised – for what they’ve said. The hurt they’ve caused one another. But, it’s still there, in the darkest corners of his mind, if he thinks hard about it and allows himself to replay the arguments.

“You’re a fucking hypocrite.” Étienne tells him. “How is it that you can suck anonymous cocks in a park, that you can fuck a guy in some back alley, that you can apparently, wear fucking drag and perform in it – but heaven forbid – heaven forbid you’d be seen in broad daylight walking down the street with a guy?!” He seethes and there’s anger in Étienne’s eyes. Anger and frustration. And these arguments have been – happening more as of late. Whenever it is that the discussions turns a little more serious and – Edward’s growing tired of it.

It’s not that easy. He’s not Étienne. He doesn’t get to simply be. It’s a miracle he allows himself this much – dares to be this much. Étienne, of all people, should understand. He’d hoped that Étienne, of all people, would understand. But his friend had not been understanding. Had been angry. Had called him out every single time.

“You’re a coward, is what you are. Nothing but a coward! You’d rather let – everyone stomp all over you, instead of standing up for yourself. It’s as if you’re ashamed! There is no fucking shame, Edward. You can’t even come out! It’s been years! You keep saying you’re going to do it and every goddamned time there’s an excuse! How fucking hard is it to look at them dead in the eye and say hey, assholes, I’m gay?! Is it that bad? Are you really that disgusted with yourself? With us? With all those men you’ve fucked?! What the fuck does that even say about yourself?!”

He’s not proud of those exchanges – wasn’t then and isn’t now. For years after, the words had come back to haunt him – to remind him of his short fallings as well as Étienne’s and – it’s a good thing they’ve smoothed things out. That Étienne, surprisingly, had breached the subject, one day, unprompted as he often is when he dregs up something from their common past and that they’d properly apologised for what they’d said – what they’d done.

It hadn’t been easy, but it had been important. Necessary for them to grow from it. For their relationship to prosper.

“We can’t all have it easy like you, Christ! We can’t all just spread our legs when we feel like it and not fear for the consequences!” He knows he’s playing on thin ice, but he doesn’t care. Doesn’t care. Étienne doesn’t understand. And he wants him to hurt. He wants to hurt him with his words. Make him feel a fraction of what it is that he feels day in and day out. Wants Étienne to hate himself just a little bit. Just like Edward hates himself. “You have no idea – you can’t even begin to understand what I feel. You’re too self-centered and self-absorbed! You think the entire fucking world revolves around you but it doesn’t! It never has! And it never will! You think you’re so great, but the truth is – the truth is you’re as much of a coward as I am and on top of that, you’re stuck in the goddamned past. So you know what, before you call me out on my bullshit – before you throw your authenticity rhetoric in my face, maybe you should take a fucking look in the mirror!”

Kate takes another deep breath and grounds herself in the present moment. Those incidents are a thing of the past and no longer fester or plague her with doubt. When she opens her eyes, she looks at the mirror and smiles. She carefully works at her eyes, applying mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow, but not in that order. She’s coming together rather nicely and the process helps clear her mind to focus on this little meeting.

She’s excited, really, even if a little nervous. She can easily perform in front of hundreds of people, but the thought of this little private exchange has her on edge a little, but she’s excited – to finally properly meet Étienne. To sit next to him and have a heart to heart chat. To give them both a chance. A real one.

There’s the accessories that come afterwards; the earrings she’s had now for years, the brooch that she touches for comfort and reassurance, the chain and pendant around her neck; nothing too ostentatious, but delicate yet noticeable. She wants to make a good first impression; there will be time for the bold and bright later. This is less about her and more about them.

Once she deems herself ready, she gives herself one last one over in the mirror. The scent of the perfume she sprayed on earlier comforts her, a nice delicate touch she thinks Étienne will like and as she fixes an imaginary crease in her skirt, she hopes that this will go smoothly – that they will grow from this as well.

Étienne lounges in the living room, waiting for his boyfriend. They’re back from their date and Edward told him he would be just a second, wanting to freshen up, so Étienne takes to the living room and sits with Mercury nestled close by. He’s busy scrolling on his phone, looking at the myriad of photos he took before, when he hears a soft cough from somewhere behind him.

He leans back to see if Edward needs anything, but then immediately straightens out when he notices that it’s not his boyfriend who’s standing there.

That it’s Kate.

Étienne nearly trips over himself as he struggles to get up without disturbing Mercury. He’s – been waiting for this day – for this chance to speak with Kate, but he hadn’t expected it would be today – right now. They’d talked about the possibility, sure, but there had never been an official date set out. Étienne never really pushed it and Edward left it at that. He fumbles to right himself and tries to get his hair into place and to make sure his blouse isn’t too wrinkly. Kate deserves to see him at his best – to officially meet him at his best. He will not do with wrinkled clothes or wayward curls.

“Kate,” He says in one breath and does his best to steady the beating of his heart. He wipes his hands on his pants, hoping they aren’t clammy and takes in the sight of her.

She’s beautiful, is the first coherent thing he’s able to think. She’s different than when he sees her on stage, but even like this – even this softer version of her is beautiful.

He makes to go up to her, to take a step towards her to – clasp her hands? Hug her? Stand closer? And stops himself, unsure of how to go about this. Her presence is commanding and he doesn’t want to commit a faux pas.

She smiles softly at him and comes ever closer, “It’s good to finally meet you,” She says and Étienne can’t help but smile. It is, really, and he’s happy he gets to do this. To meet with her. That he’s in a timeline where this happens. Where he gets to be lucky and spend time with Edward and with Kate.

“Likewise,” He manages to say, suddenly finding himself tongue tied in front of her. There are so many things he wants to tell her – so many things he’s been rehearsing for this moment and now, it’s here and once more, he struggles to find the right words; his thoughts too big for the words he possesses.

She reaches out for him first and places a soft, if familiar hand, to his face, “Étienne,” She tells him and he leans into the contact for a moment, closing his eyes and allowing himself to be grounded by the familiarity of the hand on his face.

“You look lovely,” He settles for, because it’s true and Kate deserves to be told nice things. Deserves to know what it is he thinks of her. It’s worth it when her cheeks colour a lovely shade of pink and for some reason, it puts him a little bit more at ease.

“Maybe we should sit?” She offers and he nods, following her back to the couch. Mercury barely lifts her head when they get to the couch and Étienne has to gently nudge her so that they can both sit and she resettles on Étienne’s lap, if a little disgruntled by the interruption in her nap.

“You know,” He starts with a nervous laugh as he makes to reach for her hand but then stops, unsure whether or not she’d like that. He picks at his pants instead and tries to keep his nervous energy at bay, even if he feels a twitch in his foot, “There’s so much I want to tell you – and, I don’t know where to start,” He finally admits, “Isn’t that weird?”

Kate tentatively reaches for his hand and he lets out a breath as he clings to it, glad for this. This, he can do.

“It’s not weird,” She reassures him, “But why don’t you try with the first thing that comes to your mind? It doesn’t matter if you say the things out of order – or if you don’t say them all today; there’ll be other times, I’m sure.”

She’s right, Étienne knows. This isn’t a onetime only chance, but he feels as though he’s already waited so long – that Kate hasn’t heard these things from him ever, that it needs to be done now. All of it. Therefore, he takes a deep and shuddering breath and tries to ground himself before going for it.

“Well, for starters, I wanted to – apologise to you directly. For the way I acted – before. The things I said. You deserved none of that.” Kate doesn’t let go of his hand and instead gives it an encouraging squeeze. Étienne lets out a shaky breath but twines their hands together, finding comfort in the gesture and the weight of her hand over his. “I know it happened ages ago and I know I’ve spoken about it with Edward and he forgave me, but I wanted – I needed to tell you as well, that I’m sorry.”

Étienne spares her a glance and she offers him a kind smile. He feels emboldened by it and it gives him courage to go on, “I know my words and my actions from before hurt you indirectly, but you’re –amazing – your existence is valid. You are allowed to be – you’re here for all the right reasons and that’s stupendous. I’m so glad that you’re here – that through all these years you’ve made it to this point. I’m proud of you, truly, really and I hope that we can get to know one another, with time. That we can get it right this time around.”

He’s a little concerned when he sees tears gather at the corner of Kate’s eyes, but she’s quick to wipe them away and assure him that she’s fine. She sits herself closer to him and caresses his cheek once more as she does her best not to come apart at hearing words she’d longed to hear for so long. But she’s heard them now and they are like a balm to her. “Sweetheart...” She tries to say, but there are too many different emotions swimming in her head for her to properly form coherent sentences.

She knew, obviously, about all of this, but it was one thing knowing and another finally hearing it in person. It was as if Étienne’s words had reached some part of her soul from all those years ago that had still been left a little raw and a little hurt from their multiple disputes and now – now it could finally properly heal once and for all.

Étienne tentatively opens up his arms to offer her a hug and she goes ever so willingly. She lets herself be held as she tries to gather herself back up, but she needs a moment first to process what it is that’s happening and to live these waves of joy and relief that course through her body. Luckily, Étienne is patient and holds her in his arms. He rubs her back and she’s even convinced that he kisses the top of her heard, but she’s not entirely sure. Still, it’s nice and comforting and when she next looks up at him, she finds that she’s not the only one who’s overwhelmed by this.

She leans into him and Étienne cups her face with his hand, his fingers gently caressing her cheek. She closes her eyes, breathing in the scent of him and she wishes this moment would never end.

“I want you to know that you’re worthy of love – that you deserve only good things. That I’m on your side, always, that I respect you. I’ve never been nor will I ever be ashamed of you.” He tells her and this is what he’s been trying to tell her – for all these years and now that it’s done – now that she knows, Étienne feels as though he’s mended every one of his mistakes from before. That they can properly put to rest the last of their squabbles. That they can grow from here.

Kate struggles to find the appropriate words to express exactly how it is she feels, but she settles for a bright smile before she kisses Étienne’s cheek. It leaves a red lipstick stain on his skin, but neither of them seems to mind. They hold each other close for a long time, breathing together – connecting – and give themselves the opportunity to process this. Finally, after so many years, after so many setbacks, it feels as though another new chapter can begin.

FIN

#pc: montreal #pc: edmonton #pc: kk the supreme #kk the magnificent #étienne maisonneuve #edward murphy #fic #projocanondoko

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